Operation Sadbhavana Notes for UPSC: Purpose, Objectives & Significance

Operation Sadbhavana, which means “goodwill,” is a peace and development program started by the Indian Army in 1998. It is meant to help people living in difficult areas, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and some parts of the Northeast. These are places where development has been slow or where people have faced conflict and unrest for many years.

The Indian Army is mostly known for protecting the country. But through this program, the Army also works as a friend and helper to the people in these regions. It supports the local population by building schools, running health camps, improving infrastructure, and helping women and youth gain useful skills. Operation Sadbhavana helps reduce fear and brings the people closer to the rest of the country.

Operation Sadbhavana is an important topic for students preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. It mainly falls under General Studies Paper III, which covers internal security, development, and social justice.

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About Operation Sadbhavana

In some remote and troubled regions of India, like Jammu and Kashmir, people face many problems in their daily lives. Schools are not always well equipped, hospitals may be far away, and job opportunities are limited. These areas have also faced violence and unrest in the past, which has made things worse.

To address these problems, the Indian Army began Operation Sadbhavana. The main idea is to help the people living in such areas by improving their living conditions. The Army works closely with the local population, respects their culture, and tries to bring change that is both useful and long-lasting. This also helps build trust between the Army and the people, which is important for peace and progress.

Purpose of Operation Sadbhavana

The main aim of Operation Sadbhavana is to build trust and friendship between the Army and the people in areas that have suffered due to conflict or lack of development. When people feel that someone cares for them and is helping them without expecting anything in return, they begin to trust and cooperate more.

This program also supports the larger goal of national unity. People living in remote areas often feel left out or ignored. By reaching out and working for their welfare, the Army sends a strong message that every citizen matters. This also helps reduce the influence of groups that try to create unrest or spread fear in these regions.

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The operation tries to improve the lives of people in several ways.

• One major area is education. The Army has set up schools in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. These schools offer better facilities and teaching than what many local schools could provide earlier. Children are given books, uniforms, and a chance to learn in a safe environment.
• Healthcare is another important area. In many remote villages, doctors and hospitals are hard to reach. Under this program, the Army organizes free medical camps where people can get check-ups and treatment. Medicines are given, and sometimes minor surgeries are also done with proper arrangements.
• Women are also given support to become strong and self-reliant. Special centers are set up where they can learn skills like stitching, computer training, and crafts. These skills help them find jobs or start small businesses. When women become more independent, the whole family and community benefits.
• Infrastructure is improved through small but important projects. These include building roads, footpaths, water tanks, community halls, and installing solar lights in areas that do not have electricity. These projects are chosen after talking to local leaders and villagers to understand what is most needed.
• The Army also takes students and community members from these regions on tours to other parts of India. These trips help them learn about the culture and progress in other states. It gives them a sense of pride and makes them feel connected to the whole country.
• For the youth, the Army supports sports and physical activities. Playgrounds are developed and coaching is given for sports like football, cricket, and athletics. This keeps young people active and away from harmful influences.

Read the article on the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)!

Key Activities under Operation Sadbhavana

To carry out this program, the Indian Army runs many activities across different sectors.

• One of the biggest efforts is the running of Army Goodwill Schools. As of the academic year 2024–25, more than 40 such schools are functioning in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. These schools provide education to thousands of students and focus on both studies and moral values.
• The Army also regularly holds health camps in far-off areas. In the last year alone, over 500 such camps were organized, helping tens of thousands of people. Some camps offer eye care, dental check-ups, and treatment for common diseases. Many villages without easy access to hospitals greatly benefit from these camps.
• Women empowerment centers under Operation Sadbhavana have trained thousands of women in various skills. These women are now able to support their families financially. Some of them have started small businesses in tailoring, food processing, or computer services.
• Infrastructure support is another key area. The Army has helped build roads, footbridges, school buildings, toilets, and water supply systems. Solar lights have been installed in villages where electricity is not reliable. These projects make life safer and easier for local people.
• The national integration tours have also been a great success. Every year, hundreds of students from remote regions travel to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. They visit museums, historical places, universities, and even meet important leaders. These experiences help build confidence and broaden their minds.
• The Army also supports veterinary care for animals in rural areas. Camps are organized where animals are treated for infections, given vaccines, and farmers are advised on better care. This is helpful in regions where livestock is the main source of income.

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Significance of Operation Sadbhavana

Operation Sadbhavana is important for many reasons.

• First, it builds trust between the Army and the local people. In areas where there has been fear and unrest, this trust helps in maintaining peace. People start to believe that the Army is there to protect and help, not just to fight.
• Second, it brings development to places where government schemes may take longer to reach. Schools, roads, medical help, and jobs are real needs. When these are fulfilled, people feel hopeful about their future.
• Third, it helps people become independent. When women and youth are given skills, they can earn money and take care of their families. This reduces poverty and makes the village or town stronger.
• Fourth, it brings people closer to the idea of one India. National integration tours, school programs, and sports events show that everyone belongs to the same country. This feeling of unity is very important for national peace and progress.
• Finally, it shows the caring side of the Indian Army. People begin to see soldiers not just as protectors, but also as helpers and friends. This soft approach helps in long-term peace-building.

Read the article on the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)!

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